Area Text Scam Targets West Shore Bank

12-May-2015 On Sunday morning, May 10, cellular phones were the target of a "smishing" attack. Smishing is when criminals use SMS (text) messaging, pretending to be a trusted entity, to trick recipients into disclosing account credentials or information. Customers and non-customers of West Shore Bank were told their "Master/Card is SUSPENDED or BLOCKED" and instructed to click on a link to unlock their card. The website then asked for additional personal banking information. The Bank would never ask you to reveal personal information in this manner unless you initiate the contact or request texts through mobile banking.

This is not a result of West Shore Bank’s systems being breached, but is a targeted attack of cell phones in the 231 area code. This was not sent by nor sanctioned by West Shore Bank. “We want to assure our customers that account security remains a top priority for us. We are working diligently to assist customers and non-customers who believe they have been victims of this scam,” stated Raymond A. Biggs, Bank President and CEO.

Anyone who did provide information on the fake website should immediately change their online banking password and debit card PIN, monitor their accounts, and contact West Shore Bank at 845-3500 or 888-295-4373 during regular banking hours to determine what, if any, additional actions should be taken. Additional information is available on West Shore Bank’s website.

It is also recommended that customers continue to monitor their credit reports, available for free at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/. Reports are available for free once every 12 months from each of the three credit reporting companies. Consumers can also send these scam text messages to 7726 (SPAM) to cellphone carriers to have their number blocked.